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UK Picks Akinola Davies Jr.’s My Father’s Shadow as Its Oscar International Feature Entry

The selection signals a cultural openness in British cinema, with Davies intent on continuing Nigeria-rooted storytelling.

Overview

  • The choice has drawn praise from those who see it reflecting a multicultural Britain, while some industry figures privately question whether selectors bypassed a safer option.
  • Akinola Davies Jr., who grew up between the UK and Nigeria, says he plans to keep telling Nigerian stories and channel support back to the local film community.
  • The semi-autobiographical debut, co-written with his brother Wales Davies, centers on a family in Lagos during political unrest in 1993.
  • The film premiered in CannesUn Certain Regard, became the first Nigerian movie in the official selection, and earned a special mention for the Caméra d’Or.
  • Supported by BBC Films, the BFI, MUBI and Match Factory, the feature has also secured 12 nominations at the 2025 British Independent Film Awards.